Wilbur N'elson, Diary for the year JL864. , Fri. J~n. 1 - We waited at Jeffersonville (Ind) for the cars to go out which they finally ~id about dark and reached Indianapolis by four o'clock in the morning. Sat. Jan. 2 - Remained at Indianapolis until afternoon when we took the cars to Lafayette (Ind); got there at 8 o'clock P.M. Put up at the M Very good fare at $2 per day. House. Sun. Jan. 3 - Remained at the L House to day. The cars didn't run, the roads are blocked up with snow. Mon. Jan. 4 - We got started for Michigan City about eleven this fore(cid:173) noon, arriving nicely after nonn. Tues.Jan. 5 - Took the cars at 12:30 for Detroit. Got tn~re Had a pleasant ride. Put up at the Michigan ltt1:i he= a. well conducted house. t ?.) .&""~><-O-h~t:'I-n- q / tJ,J Wed. Jan. 6 - Took the cars at Detroit for St. Johns last night, arrived there at 5 this momning. Got a chance to ride up to the Center. xxmBx~xx«kxXBXam~X.~~.X~BX.XXkxkt There I met Mr. Whit e androde home with him. sfie me. T he folks were glad to Thur Jan 7 - Wrote a letter to Theodore in the morning. Mrs. Ely called at our house and we had a long talk about the army. Fri Jan 8 - Visited around. Called on Mr. Church's folks in the ~~x~~~ afternoon. The weather is ~XKX. quite cold. Sat Jan 9 - Cold and windy. I remained indoors reading and writing. Sun Jan 10 - Went to the Halli school house to meeting in the afternoon. Heard Elder Webb preach a discourse from the text "Who art thou". Weather very cold. Mon Jan 11 - Lie around doing nothing. Tues Jan 12 - Went down to the 6enter with father. Circuit court is in session Judge done and court closed, finishing up in nne day. presiding. There was not much business Wed Jan 13 - Went over to Mr. Church's in the afternoon with Sybil and Mary. Thur Jan 14 - William and I went to st. Johns in the evening. We went to the new Methodist ehurch able sermon. Saw Dr.-Eddy Edward of the Northwestern. and heard Allen B in a very Fri Jan 15 - We started home about 11 ~~ in the forenoon, got there about dark. It was rather a cold ride. This is my 25th birthday. Sat Jan 16 - At home today doing nothing. The weather is getting warmer and it thaws a very little. Visited Mr. Rush's folks in the afternoon. Sun Jan 17 - It thaws some today. Called into Mr. Pride's (?) (Bright's) in the afternoon with the W s Mon Jan 18 - Waat to the Center after the mail in the afternoon. We got two letters from Theodore and I got one from (Brind or prine) and Stone in regard to concluded not to attend it. Mr. Hall's folks were at our house college. I when we got home. Tues Jan 19 - At home today. wrote a letter to Theodore. Rather cold. ( Wed "Jan 20 - We went over to Mr. Wafu ' s in the afternoon. The day was warm and pleasant. ~, Thur Jan 2m. - Mr Rush'S and NeVins' folks we re to see us in the afternoon. It was some cobl. Pleasant winter weather. Fri Jan 22 - Susan Shurch and Sornelia were at our house in the afternoon. It was guit warm, nice am~ as well as pleasant. Sat Jan 23 - Went to Mr. (Cl It's thawing some today.---- or Gl _____ ) to a surprise party. Sun Jan 24 - Went to the Hall School house to meeting. Elder Weeb preached. It's thawing very fast and the sleighing is most spoiled. William's folks had a little girl. Mon Jan 25 - Went to Mr to a full house. to meeting. Elder Webb preached Tues Jan 26 - Went to Ithaca to get a mail. Got a letter from Theodore. Warm and pleasant. Wed Jan 27 - &~Xm Did nothing today. with idling around. I'm tired and XXg~.~ discontented Thr Jan 28 - wrote a letter to Theodore. Garwood Kress called to seem me in the forenoon Iwwent to Mr Church's It was very warm today. ~ri Jan 29 - Visited the school in the forenoon and in the afternoon went to Mr s. It snowed some in the afternoon. Sat Jan 30 - E I went xxx. to Saint Louis with father to quarterly meeting Elder Hall the presiding elder preached.a very good sermon. I~'s warm and rainy. Sun Jan 31 - I did not go to meeting today. It" s quite warm. Mon Feb 1 - Father and I went to Ithaca to get the mail. It is warm. Tues Feb 2 - I came home from the center and went to Alma to see 60lonel Ely. Wed Feb 3 - Went to Alma to see Colonel Ely in the afternoon we had a spelling school. Thur Feb 4 - Rode to St. Johns horseback. Took the cars in the afternoon to (C R N). Got there at one in the morning. Fri Feb 5 - Called on Captain who gave me a good recommend- ation. at 5 O'clock. In the afternoon took the cars to Detroit arriving there I put up at the Michigan Exchange. Sat Feb 6 - Called on and got him to make arrangements for a board meeting and get together a board of examirrers for negro troops. Took the cars tor St. Johns and got there at 4 in the afternoon. Rode home, got there at 10. Sun Feb 7 - Went to the Hall School house and our elder Merrill preached in the forenoo n. He is not much of a preacher. in the afternoon. It snowEd Mon Feb 8 - In the afternoon to Visit William' s fo~ks. I had rather I hitched my Tennessee horse into a cutter gear (?) a dull time. I went very slow. It is quite cold today. Tues Feb 9 - Saddled and took a ride to Mr. Hall's in the evening but found the young ~olks gone to spelling school. rather cold today. It was Wed Feb 10 - The folks from the Center came to our house for a surprise party. T here were about 50 persons. I went to Mr. White's to a party. There was some Thurs Feb 11 - dancing. I suppose I I got with Flora two or three times. did not make a very careful partner as it is the first time I ever took a chance. Fr i Feb 12 - Got a letter from Theodore. It WllS warm today. Sat Feb 13 - Did nothing today but laid around the house. very Narm. It was Sun Feb 14 - Attended Waldron's (?) wedding to Mrs. Bright. Cornelia and I stood up with the pappy pair. In the evening they were serenaded at our house. Weather warm and pleasant. Mon Feb 15 - Father went out to St. Johns. Day was warm and mild. I fed and did the chores. 'DJues Feb 16 - Went down to Mr. with William. We drove my In the evening I went to spelling school. white team down. It was very cold. ~1 ed Feb 17 - Lt. Doane called on me' today. It was very cold. Thur Feb 18 - Theodore came home today on rec~uiting service. Father got back from St. Johns. Mr. Church got ho~e last night. went over to see him in the afternoon; it was a very cold meeting. I Fri Feb 19 - TheoddDe and I visited around in. Church's folks came to our house. It was very cold. In the evening Mr. Sat Feb 20 - Theodore and William went to the Center. They bought a span 0 f horses. The weather is quite warm. Sun Feb 21 - I took a ride to meeting to the Hall School House. was warm and pleasant. It Mon Feb 22 - Theodore and I went to the Center for the mail. a permit to appear before the Board at Cincinnati for examination for negro troops. I got Tues Feb 23 - Went to st. Johns with Mr. Church and took a train for Detroit in the afternoon. Wed Feb 24 - Arrived at Detroit at nine. Took a 10 o· clock train for Cincinnati. Got to Toledo about 2 o'clock in the afternoon and put up at the Island House. It was quite warm. Thur Feb 25 - Took the cars at 12 noon for Cincinnati. Got there at 11 P.M. and put up at the Burnett House. Fri Feb 26 - Today I went to see the Board of Examination and presented my perm.it. I am to be examined tomorrow. Sat Feb 27 - This morning I went before the Board. They did bot tell their decision but I have reason to believe I passed, for some office. the afternoon for Dayton. I did not think it was very thorough. Took the cars in It was very warm weather. Sun Feb 28 - Arrived at Toledo at 5 in the morning and put up at the Have to wait til~ Monday morning for the cars to I went to the Methodist Church and heard a very good Island House. Detroit. sermon. Mo n Feb 29 - Took the cars for Detro it at 3 o' clock. Got to Detro it at 6 and took the 10 o'clock train for St. Johns; got t~ere at 9 o'clock at night, a caboose ran off the track and delayed us about four hours. Found Col. Ely and several of Company C at N (~ewton?). Tues Mar 1 - night. I walked home today getting there about 8 o'clock at I was some tired when I got home. It was warm. Wed Mar 2 - Today Theodore and I went over to Mr. Church's a little while in the afternoon. It was very warm. Thur Mar 3 - Theodore and I took a horseback ride to Alma. very warm and thawing. It was Fri Mar 4 - Did nothing xQ[ciat.~ but loaf arouns home with Theodore. It was warm and folks are tapping their bushes. Sat Mar 5 - Theodore and I were about home doing nothing much. It snowed some last night but it is thawing a little today. Sun Mar 6 - It was a dull Sunday; we did not go to meeting. very mild. It was Mon Mar 7 - I went to the Center to help father do some writing. Tues Mar 8 - We had a surprise party at Mr. ehurch's this evening. There were a good many there and we had - a very good time. Wed Mar 9 - Cornelia and Frank 9hurch ~ame to our house visiting in the afternoon. Theodore and I walked home with them in the evening. It snowed some in the afternoon. ahur Mar 10 - It rained today. Theodore and I stayed in the house reading andwritiner etc. Fr i Mar 11 - Dull and stormy day and I have nothing to do. I am getting tired of this kind of life. Nothing makes a person so unhappy as ~ocx.am ••• idleness. Sat Mar 12 - Today passed off as common. It was quite warm.. Sun Mar 13 - There is no meeting around here today. We went over to William.'s in the afternoon and took a walk over the S (Soule?) land. Mon Mar 14 - Another day has gone without much profit. I did nothing but loaf around the house. There was a little snow storm in the morning and the day was quite cold. Tues Mar 15 - I went to the Center to get the m~il but it did not come in and I put up for the night at Howd s (?) tavern. It is rather cold. Wed Mar 16 - The mail did not come in last night and I went hom.e in the morning. My horse fell down and threw me off but did not hurt me any. Thur Mar 17 - This m.orning Theodore went to the Center and got the mail. 1st Michigan Colored Regiment. Hall's visiting~ The wind got hot tonight. I received notice that I am appointed a Oapta1n 1n the In the afternoon I went to Mr. Fri Mar 18 - There was very good sleighing this m.orning. Theodore It and I went to St. Louis with ,a grist (7) in the afternoon. is rather cold. Sat Mar 19 - William, '].heodor e and I went to Ithaca with a sleigh. The sleighing was quite good. It is very cold. Sun Mar 20 - We went to meeting to Mr. Hall's School house with a sleigh. Elder Webb preached. It was cold at meeting. Mon Mar 21 - Today father and I rode to St. Johns. There I took t he cars at 10 P . .:vI. for Detroit. Tues Mar 22 - I got to Detroit this mqrning at 6 o'clock, reported to Col. Bennett in the m.orning. There was mustered by Lt. Pierce (7). Wed Mar 23 - This m.orning I went up to camp. I was assigned Company I andwent on duty with it. Batallion drill in the afternoon. Thurs Mar 24 - Busy in camp, had inspection of my company in the morning. It is quite warm. Fri Mar 25 - I had inspection in the morning, in the afternoon we had battalion drill. The Major's horse threw him at dr1lli, he was not hurt fortunately. His horse ran away with him. and stopp'ed before any damage was done. Sat Mar 26 - I went on as officer of the day in the evening. The boys made a rally (7) on the sutler's shanty and tore it up pretty bad before I got out and stopped them. Warm and pleasant. Sun Mar 27 - I was on officer of the day until 5 0' cIOlek 1n the 'evening. A man 0 f company K got mad and stabbed his orderly so bad that they fear KX he will not get well. Wilbur N5lson diary 1864. Man Mar 28 - We marched this morning, at 10 0' ClOlCk we too,k the cars ~or Toledo. We got there about noon. We remained 1n Toleeo today. Marched up through town. Some of the men were rather t unruly (?). Tues Mar 29 - We started at two o'clock and ran to Dunkirk by midnight wnere we changed cars. 'Ned Mar 30 - We -reached Elmira (NY) about noon. There dedi we drew rations and changed cars for Baltimore. We got started about dark. Thurs Mar 3~ - We passed Harrisburg (Fa) after dark and went on to Battimore. Fri Apr I -He teached Baltimore at sunrise. Took breakfast at the Soldiers' Relie f and went aboard the steam boat George (?) for Annapolis. Got to Annapolis about five o'clock and marched out to our camp three miles from town. It was one o'clock before we got to camp. Sat Apr 2 - Last night was a stormy, rough night and the boys had It a rather rough time without their tents and oil blankets. snowed quite fast this morning and snowed and rained today. He drew our tents and put them up. I got small tents for the men and wall tents for the officers. Sun Apr 3 - Simon and Alec Nurtz came to see men and I ·v'v ent over tctl the camp of the 8th Mich in the evening and had a good visit. Mon Apr 4 - Took breakfast with Capt Smith and Lt. Doane (Co C 8th Mich) then returned to camp. Drilled the company in the forenocn. It rained after noon, there was no drill. Tu~s Apr 5 - It rained today. In the afternoon I went to Annapolis with Sime McLaughlin (an old friend of the 8th Mich) some purchases. and made Wed Apr 6 - Lt D ______ (T ___ ) went down town on a detail today. I remained in camp. We did not drill today but . had dress parade. It did not storm to~ay as usual but was quite cold. Thurs Apr 7 - We had battalion drill in the afternoon. Major drilled the regiment. It was quite warm. Fri Apr 8 - I was officer of the day; things run rather loose. The guard do not know their duty very well and some of the officers are very slack. Sat Apr 9 - It rained in the afternoon. I did notdrill today. I wrote all day on company ~usiness; I got up some orders to govern Company "I". ~ Sun Apr 10 - I went down and visited Lt. Doane of the 8th Mich in the afternoon. up to see me. In the evening Capt. Smith and Lt. Hovey (?) came It was warm and pleasant today. Man Apr 11 - We had battalion drill in the afternoon. Major vlark drilled the regiment. It was very warm and pleasant. Tues Apr 12 - Drew clothing and shoes for the men. I wrote a letter to Nill iam in the morning then drilled the co:npany one hour before noon. After noon we had battalion drill by Col. Bennet. It was quite warm in the forenoon but got cold after noon and rained tonight. iHlbur Nelson diary 1864. Wed Apr 13 - Gen. Grant reviewed us about one today. He was by Gen. Burnside. I hear he spoke well of the reg~ent. Grant is not so km,~.~ impressive in appearance but he as though he knows something. accompanied Gen. looks Thurs Apr 14 - We got orders to be ready to embark for Hilton Head (S.C.) tomorrow morning at ~ o'clock. Nathan Church and answered it. I received a letter from Fri Apr 15 - We embarked tpday on board the steamer North (?) Point for the South. Our boat got under way about night. Three companies got on the North (?) Point, Companies "I", "c" and "D". Sat Apr 16 - We passed Fortress Monroe this morning about nine 0' clock. The bay is very smooth; when we get in the Atlantic ocean it will be rougher. We reach uape Hatteras about Sunday. - Sun Apr 17 - This morning was clear but the wind blew quite hard and it was very rough. The Captain says we are 25 or 30 miles from Cape Hatteras. The sea is so rough and the wind is so hard we make about 6 miles an hour. I slept most of the forenoon. After noon I went on deck and amused myself with pop (?) and a cigar (1). Four weeks ago today I was sleigh riding in Gratiot; times have changed. Mon Apr 18 - The sea was smooth this morning when I first got up but the wind soon the blockading fleet off Charleston about four in the afternoon. At nine o'clcok we are not in sight of Hilton Head. up from the south.X~~K~ Today we passed Tues Apr 19 - We arrived in sight 0 f Hilton Head about noon and took a pilot aboard. We got' in about 2 0 I clock and marched out a mile and camped. Hilton Head has improved since I was here two years ago; it is quite a town now. Wed Apr 20 - I'm detailed officer of the day. Col. Chipman is coming as commander of the regiment. He reported for duty Just before we left Annapolis. He is a regular officer and seems to be a good man. We laid out our camp and pitched tents. busy today. I was very Thurs Apr 21 - Wrote a letter to Theodore which was about all I ~id today. Fri Apr 22 - I made my ordnance report today and wrote a lette~ to Sybil and the rest 0 f the day I was busy putting up my tent. Sat Apr 23 - We had dress parade to~ay. Col. Chipman came nut for the first time. He seems to be a first rate drill master. A field officer of the day reported our regiment in very bad condition with the officers and men seem totally ignorant of guard duty andthat thej were in a filthy condition etc etc. I think there is some truth in his report but a great deal too malicious. Sun Apr 24 - I am field officer of the day. and I got wet going around. It rained in the forenoon Mon Apr 25 - round. Lt. Southward (?) went around with me. at nine 0 I clock this morning, I had a very pleasant time last night going the grand I was relieved It was warm and pl easant today. Tues Apr 26 - I wrote a letter to Theodore in the evening. warm and dusty today. It was Wed Apr 27 - The payrolls were sent to the regiment for signing. Most of the men in Company" III refused to sign their names dollars a month. they appeared set in their determination. I advised them to take What they could get but for Ten T hur s A-;\r 28 - I am regimental officer 0 f the day, I had not much to do. In the afternoon the wind blew very hard and the dust flew around like ( f-s-t) . Wilbur Nelson diary 1864. Fr1 Apr :2~ - The p aymast.er paid 0 ff my company to day. Many 0 f the men wouldn't draw their pay because it is only seven dollars a month. Sat Apr 30 - The regiment was mustered for pay by Col. Ghipman. He made a very minute inspection of things. It rained hard while we were passing in rewiew. We heard some cannonading today to the west of us. Sun May 1 - We had a long inspection in the morning by the Colonel. Lt. (D-P-N~D-R-N) and I went down to the beach and took a bath. Mon May 2 -Worked on the muster rolls. Major Clark who has been absent on furlough returned tp the regiment today. Tues May 3 - I finished my payrolls today. Three companies went off on picket. Only four are in the camp here at present. This lea~es the regiment very small. We have had no mail since we came here two weeks ago. Wed May 4 - Col. Chipman apprdved my muster rolls. Said they were the most correct of any in the regiment. report of clothing and equipage (?) the ordnance report for Lt. Barrell in the evening. We had dress parade as we have only four com.panies present, the bat tal ion looks very smal~. I made out my monthly in the afternoon. I made out Thur May 5 - Nothing more than the dull round 0 f camp life transpired today. came out and superintended the drill. I drilled the company in the afternoon. Major Clark Fr i May 6 - I am regimental 0 fficer 0 f the day. I kept suite busy directing the guard and policing the camp. It is very warm. M.y own company and Company "K" are ordered to Fort Wells (?) tomorrow morning to form part-of the garrison. Sat May 7 - Today we moved down to Fort Wells (?). One company of the 9th U.S. camped in the fort,. Companies "K" and "I" from. our regiment camped just outside. The three-companies-garrison the fort. Sun May 8 - Went to the Port Royal House and got a very good d-inner. Passed the day in walking about town and along the beach. was quite warm. It Mon May 9 - I went down to the sea and had a swim with Lt. (D-B-N-R-N) In the afternoon I went up to our old camp. It in the morning. was very warm. Tues May 10 - ~he Steamer Fulton (?) came in today, bringing a large mail. Lt HOlmes of my company came in with several officers and men for the regiment. Wed May 11 - fie moved inside the fort today. Major Towne (?) a f the 9th U.S. took command of us. Thur May 12 - The mail was distrmbuted so that we got it this morning. I only got two letters, one from Theodore and one from Cornelia. I wrote three letters in the afternoon. Fri May 13 - Worked on my c~othing book today. Tonight the band came down and serenaded us. Hudson sailed for New York this afternoon. It was quite warm today. The steamer Sat May 14 - Nothing a f particular interest today. cOlilpany books most of the time. I worked at my Sun May 15 - We (the garrison of Fort Wells~ had our first dress parade this afternoon. Lt. HOlmes acting as adjutant, he made so me blunder 8 • Man May 16 - The Major of the 9th U.S. and his company were relieved today. I hope so as it is a very pleasant plac·e. The soldiers of the 9th U.S. It is thought we will remain in the fort. Wilbur Nelson diary for 1864. are having a prayer meeting tonight; they appear very devot~Gnal. Tues May 17 - I am officer of the day in the fort. Capt. Rowell's (Y) company of the 9th U.S. moved out of the fort today. Our Col. has command of the coast inside the entrenchments and our regiment is to man them. Wed May 18 - The Iroquois (?) came in from New York with the mail this morning. There is very good news from Meade's army. cool and pleasant today. It is quite 'TI'hur May 19 - This morning I got a letter from Theodore. He is at kXIEXA Alexandria but is leaving for the front. We fired a national salute in honor of Grant's victory-. Fri May 20 - I had to send all my men out to work on the fortifications today. Don't have m.uch to do. Sat May 21 - I and Capt. Montague went up to the regim.ent to drill on I borrowed 25 dollars from Mr. (D-P-T-S). Our heavy artillery. men are working on the intrenhcments he~. It is very warm. Lt. Holmes and myself went over to Marchfield (1) and (D-R-O-N) to ' see what we could see. These places are inhahited by negroes. Their houses and gardens look very well. Sun May 22 - There was review but I was officer of the day and di not got to the review. The Iroquois (1) sailed for New York today, on it went Capt. Tuttle who has resigned. Mon May 23 - I got a complaint from Col. Chipman. He wanted to know wh, I did not send my men on a detail of fatigue. that I did. It's very warm today. I informed him. Tues May 24 - I was on a board of service to inquire into the of an invoice for lumber. It was warm, windy and dusty today. Wed May 25 - Several gun boats and some two thousand troops all are here today noon. Their destination is unknown at present. all my men on a detail and had one left to drill. I had sent Thurs May 26 - T he steamer Fulton came in thes m.orning br inging mail. I didn't get any letter. It was windy and dusty till evening when it rained. Fri May 27 - Gen. Foster has taken command of this department and arrived on the Iroquois (7) We fired a salute for Admiral Dahhgren this afternoon as he landed to visit Ge~. Foster. Sat May 28 - It was XKX~ a very warm day. keep in the shade. I did not do much more than Sun May 29 - There was general inspection today by the Inspector I and my Lt. took supper at the I @m getting tired of camp fare and think I General of this departm.ent. Port Royal House. will board out before long. Man May 30 - The steamer Fulton sailed for New York this m.orning well loaded with passengers and mail. Boats run once in eight days from New York to this place. Dr. (M-C-N-L) and Lt. Jewett (7) were down from the regiment and vls~~ed me in the evening. Tues M~y 31 - This is the last day of spring. How fast xXmBa time I was on the board of service but Maj. Chance (1) Wickorder flies. (7) of the 52nd Pennsylvania, a member, was not present and we adjourned till tomorrow at 10 o'clock. Wed June 1 - I was on the board of service in the morning. We adjourned till tom.orrow at 10' o'clook A.M. Wilbur Nelson diary 1864 T hur June 2 - T he board of serv ice m.et this morn ing and transacted the business before it. went down to the beach and took a bath. some rain. In the evening Lt (D-P-N-D-R) and myself It was warm today with Fri June 3- The steamer Iroquois (1) came in today with the mail, but there was nothing for me. not had a letter from K~BX any of the folks at hom.e since I left home the 21st of March. today; I have to pay 6 dollars a week. I feel very much disapPointed; I have I comm.enced boarding at Mrs. Frye' a Sat June 4 - Did not do m.uch of anything today. some rain. It was very ,warm with Sun June 5 - I wrote a letter to William in th~ morning then Lt. Ho~es and I went down to the beach and took a bath. Mon June 6 - The sold~~'s life at Hilton Head is very m.omotonous. Each day is about like the one that preceded it and today has been no exception to the rule. The 41st New York was here on their way bome. Their time is out. Tues Jane 7 - Maj. Clark took command of Fort Wells today. It seems Capt. Montague has not managed the fort to the satisfaction of Gen. Hatch (1). Wed June 8 - We drilled two hours on heavy artillery 1ro the Two new ironclads were in the harbor here. Thur June 9 - We had a refreshing rain today noon. afterwards. It was much codler Fri June 10 - We got orders to mowe to Beaufort as soon as we can get. transportation. This is the wrong season here, it rains nearly every day. Sat June 11 - We signed the payrolls today. The paymaster is to pay off the company Monday morning. A mail came in, I got two letters from Theodore. He was well the 22nd 0 f May • Sun June 12 - We are relieved from duty at Fort Wells and ordered to report to the regiment for duty soon. A company of the 3rd Rhode Island takes our place which will be tomorrow I suppose. Mon June 13 - It's a dull,rainy day, we did nothing. Tues June 14 - Today we were relieved by a company of the 3rd Rhode Island and reported to the regiment. We were paid to the first of May this morning. Wed June 15 - Today I am officer of the day. Tonight we received ordera to go to Beaufort. We comm.enced striking tents about ten 0' clock at night. Thur June 16 - We marched to the beach this m.orning. We went aboard the steamboat Co,smopolitan (1) for Beaufort. We landed at Beaufort and camped about t mile out of town. Fri Jurue 17 - We were busy today pitching our tents. Beaufort looks just as it did when I saw it over tW8 years ago. Sat June 18 - I turned off my servant today as he is good for nothing. We are getting our camp so it looks very well. Sun June 19 - Today I was 0 fficer 0 f the day in the regim.ent. A mail I.got seven letters, some from home the first I have came in. had since I came away. Mon June 20 - I went down town and made some purchases today. A detail from. our reg~ent was on provost guard. The provost marshal made a very unfavorable report on their appearance and I think an unjust one. T hermoID.Bter 100 degrees' above zero. Tues June 21 - I punished two of my men for not being in good order for guard and punished one for diso bey ing orders. We had battalion Wilbur Nelson diary 1864. dril~ in the evening on the old field that we used to drill on when I was here before. Thermomett.er 90 degrees at noon. Wed June 22 - I had my tent fixed up. Mail went north; I sent a letter to Theodore and one to William. Thermometer 90 in the shade. Thur June 23 - The regiment was reviewed and inspected by Gen. Porter who commands the brigade. The men made a very poor appearance, they and their guns were dirty. It seems very hard to make anything of these men, I am. about discouraged. Thermom.eter 94 degrees at noon in the shade. Fri June 24 - We had intense (n-~) general inspection today by the Inspector General. Thermometer stood at 100 in the shade at noon. Sat June 25 - We commenced squad drill this morning. Thermometer 94 in the shade at noon. Sun June 26 - We had regimental inspection this morning. Company "I" was slow to fall in and very dirty. any longer. Binkman (?) who I relieved for neglect of duty and told him he had a I'm officer of the day. Colonel pulled (?) up Capt. I am not going ten> allow it Thermometer 94. to arrest him. Mon June 27 - A mail came in today. I got three letters. I worked some on my muster rolls. Thermometer 104 at noon in the shade. Tues June 26 - I worked on the muster and payrolls. It is so dusty that it is very disagreeable about writing. Thermom.eter 102 above zero at noon. Wed June 29 - I was busy wr it ing today making out payrolls and monthly reports etc etc. Thermometer stood at 94 at noon. Thur June 30 - he were mustered today by Major Clark. I finished my muster rolls about five o'clock. Thermometer 96. Fri July 1 - Today the right wing of the regiment moved out to the camp of the 26th U.S. who are ordered away on an expedition. I went out IRe to the Shell (?) bridge to picket at night. The mosquitoes were very ~a~x thick. Sat Ju;Ly 2 - In camp do ing no thing. Lt. Benham (?) 0 f Company "B" I attended his funeral as pall bearer this died last night. afternoon. Sun July 3 - I went back to the old camp and wrote today. very warm; thermometer ~04 in the sgade. It was Mon July 4 - The officers 0 f the right wing ,ave a dinner to the officers of theleft wing. good time. At noon I fired 32 guns from the battery Burnside. We had a good dinner and a very Tues July 5 - I was regimental officer o. f the day today. Wed July 6 - It was rather dull t,oday. We hear that the expedition has not been very successful but learn no particular}. ThJr July 7 - I'm regimental field ,officer of the day. Lt. Holmes and I took a long ride over the island in the afternoon. We saw some black children running about entirely naked, and came near riding over two little babies rolled u p in an old blanket and laid under a tree outdoors. Fri July 8 - We h ave a very ·pleasant place here and good quarters. Sat July 9 - There was no drill this afternoon and we lounged about. Wilbur Nelson diary 1864 Sun July 10 - I am general officer of the day again today. It was very warm going the rounds. At night Lt. (D-P-N-D-R-N:) went around with me. Mon July 11 - I do not feel very well today. Tues July 12 - I got a letter from Theodore today with [Jis photograph. Imade my ordnance report. Wed July 13 - All quiet at Port Royal island. evening. It rained here this Thurs July 14 - Today we were relieved by the 26th New York and returned to our own camp. Fri July 15 - anything. I don't feel very well today and did not do much of Sat July 16 - We had drill in the morning, the rest of the day there I got a letter from William and wrote one was nothing to do. to him.. Sun July 17 - We had inspection at 8 A.M. Co~. Chipman praised my company. It was very plesant today. Mon July 18 - I am officer of the day in the regim.ent .today. I was busy digging a well at the hospital and grubbing off (c-l-r) lines. I got the books by express from Philadelphia. It was cool and plesant. Tues July 19 - Had drill morning and evening. Nothing of interest happened. Warm and dry. Wed July 20 - Nothing important today. We are quite interested in I have just learned to play the chess playing in the regmment. game. Thurs July 21 - Nothing of interest today. We are in camp drilling and doing guard duty as usual. Fri July 22 - Today the mail came in and I got a letter from Mary. The folks at home are all well. Sat July 23 - Played chess most of the time today. It is quite cool. Sun July 24 - Today seems dull and calm (?). morning and read most 0 f the afternoon. I wrote a letter in the Mon July 25 - My company practiced at target firing in the afternoon. Our guns are good for nothing. The men made rather wild shots. ~uite cool and pleasant. Tues July 26 - I'm regimental officer of the day. hard in the morning. It rained quite Wed July 27 - I wrote today fixing up the company order book. was warm and showery. It Thurs July 28 - Didn't do much today. It was very warm. Fri July 29 - I and Lt. Holmes went on Provost Guard. 'Ne had a very pleasant time. Themail came in, I got a letter from Theodore. Sat July 30 - There was general inspection this morning. I was not relieved in time to go. tomorrow morning at nine o'clock. iVe are ordered to be ready to march Sun July 31 - We are packed up getting ready for a march. We expected to go at nine this morning but the transport was not ready and we are to wait till tomorrow. Wilbur Nelson diary 1864. Mon Aug 1 - Our ilien celebrated the anniversary of the liberation of the slaves in the Nest Indies in t he morning. Some of the men made very good speeches. At four o'clock P.M. we embarked on board the (G-N-N-KB) drew new guns. and ran down to Hilton Head where we Tues Aug 2- We sailed at four o'clock, paased Tybee Lighthouse about sundown. Wed Aug 3 - Reached Jacksonville, Fl~nida, landed and remained over night. Thurs Aug 4 - Marched to Baldwin ~O miles out on the Florida Railroad. It was a very hot day and the mar ch was a hard one. swampY', desolate country. Baldwin is a three or four old houses. railroad station with It is a low, Fri Aug 5 - We did not move today. Alligators are thick and frogs serenade us nightly. Sat Aug 6 - General Hatch came up from Jacksonville in the evening and took command. I had a fever in the afternoon. Sun Aug 7 - Iwas not very well today. T he regiment went 0 ut on the railroad to tear up tracks. They tore up about three miles, burned the ties and bent the rails. Mon Aug 8 - Holmes and18 men of Company "I" went on picket. The car s came up from Jacksonv ille for the fir st time this afternoon. Tues Aug 9 - All quiet today. Wed Aug 10 - Our regiment went out about six miles on the railroad to tear up tracks. We had just got to work when a party of rebels fired into the left of the regiment from the woods. We deployed skirmishers and went after them but they had gone on when they heard us. Thurs Aug 11 - The 34th u.S. IUB :fDtB.OC ax :t!llcl!Qt ItiJl ux:tXXB.Jt~ Kan. :tB.a[]~m~ lll~ KDls[ If.!l:filfCXarix :txxa. MBm XCX~Il~ went out totear up tracks today. They had no trouble .. i:DI~ U(XIB uS[ Jtll~.xa aU IUltc% ad Fri Aug 12 - The 35th u.S. were fired at today with artillery while They drove the rebels off and had tearing up the railroad. three men wounded. Sat Aug 13 - We are evidently preparing to leave this place. The stores are being sent back on the cars. Sun Aug 14 - We are ordered to be ready to march tomorrow morning at 3 o'clock with five days rations and 60 rounds of ammunit~on. Mon Aug 15 - This morning we marched at 30'clock going south, went about 20 miles through a low, swampy country and camped at Milton (?) Station on the Florida Key West Railroad. at night. I went on picket Tues Aug 16 - Marched at sunrise going southeast, camped about sundown by a small creek, marched about 15 miles. Ned Aug 17 - Marched at sunrise, taking an easterly direction. Marched about 18 miles and camped after dark. At noon we had dmnner near a beautiful little lake. Thurs lIag 18 - Marched about 18 miles and camped on the banks of · a pond. Some cattle ran near the camp at night and got up quite a scare in the regiment; first they m~ thought it was rebel cavalry. Fri .hug 19 - We reached Magnolia at sundown, after marching 18 miles. The fruits of the raid are some 60 negroes, 2 old guns and 10 mules. Sat Aug 20 - The paymaster commenced paying off the regiment. Wilbur Nelson diary 1864 I ~ . - Sun Aug 21 - Company "r" was paid today by Major Dye (?). Man Aug 22 - Our men commenced working on a fort this morning, Col.. Shipman oversaw the work. Tues Aug 23 - We got a small mail, I only retxeived one letter. At five o' clock I went on picket. Wed Aug 24 - On picket today. It was very warm. '1'hurs Aug 25 - In camp doing nothing. Fri Aug 26 - The same as Rsual. Sat Aug 27 - Took charge 0 f the working party. Sun Aug 28 - Nothing much. Man Aug 29 - Embarked at 11 P.M. on board the steamer Sima (?) for Beaufort. We now bid adieu to the shady groves of Magnolia. Tues Aug 30 - We passed the St. Johns Lighthouse at daylight,. Had a pleasant trip to Beaufort where we landed at 12 P.M. Wed Al ,1g 31 - We are now in our old camp;' were mustered by 1,;01. Chipman. Thurs aep 1 - Marched out to Cross (S*R*L) and relieved the 56th New York on picket duty. Fri Sep 2 - We have a very pleasant camp here three miles from Port Royal ferry. Companies "I" and liB" are here. The Major has command of the outpost and makes this his headquarters. very busily on the payrolls. I worked Sat Sep 3 - I worked on my payrolls today. Lt. Holmes was on picket and was relieve¢. at night. Sun Sep 4 - Finished my payrolls in the J:OC) rn ing • Had inspection in the afterno on'. After note: My s ist er Mary died this day. She was a dear, good sister. Mon Sep 5 - I went to the ferry to picket at night to relieve Lt. Mate (?) of Co;:npany "B". line. 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